Special session expected to end without voucher debate in House

The House adjourned until next week without referring HB 1 to committee, signaling a likely end to any education proposals for the current special session. The last possible day for the 30-day special session is Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Without a committee hearing on the bill — not possible when the bill has not yet been sent to a committee — HB 1 cannot progress, and waiting until Monday or Tuesday to take it up does not allow time for the bill to get through committee, be scheduled for House floor debate, and repeat the process in the Senate.

The issue of vouchers — along with increased school funding and teacher salaries — is considered dead for this session. There is much speculation — but no actual information yet — on whether and when Gov. Greg Abbott might call another special session to try again.